O'Bryon recognized as Gaston Teacher of the Year

School: Pinewood Elementary School in Mount Holly. She teaches fourth-graders.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in children’s disabilities from UNC Asheville and a master’s degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University

How she stands out:Students in O’Bryon’s classroom understand how robots have changed everyday life by performing tasks faster, easier and more conveniently, said Julian Wilson, the Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year.

Her students enjoy reading about “brilliantly ridiculous inventions” through interactive stations and centers. Wilson said the world’s greatest robot may be inspired within the walls of O’Bryon’s classroom.

Students describe her as kind, awesome, crazy and a math whiz, he said.

Her colleagues at Pinewood say O’Bryon is always creative and goes beyond the call of duty as a teacher to keep the best interest of her students at heart. She is described as a woman who is dedicated, bright and positive, Wilson said.

What students say: One of her student’s said a favorite assignment this year involved researching biographies and learning about former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Wilson said at the awards dinner.

Another student enjoyed multiplying fractions because O’Bryon made the work easy to understand, he said.

Upon winning Teacher of the Year: O’Bryon said she is grateful for the opportunity to work for Gaston County Schools.

She said it’s humbling to be selected as the recipient.

“I am honored. I will truly say I didn’t expect that,” she said.

Experience: She has 12 years of teaching experience. This is her fourth year as a teacher at Pinewood.

What would surprise you about O’Bryon?She makes her own clothing. Students especially like her hats, Wilson said.